Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 at Tacoma Community College

Who We Are

Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating and camping. Tacoma, Washington has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, due to the increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity and community engagement, just to name a few.  
 
Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses.   In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution.
 
We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African- American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who:

• Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
• Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
• Care deeply about student success 
• Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Honor TCC’s mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
• Reflect the diversity of our community

Essential Functions

• Work with the lead teacher in planning and implementing environmental curriculum appropriate for the young children in your care.
• Use of Teaching Strategies GOLD and related databases as needed. Assisting lead teacher with paper and computer work.
• Helping Lead Teacher with preparing and possibly doing parent/teacher conferences.
• Model appropriate behavior, using developmentally appropriate communication skills and being considerate of others.
• Observe each child's development and discuss this with the lead teacher.
• Assist in ensuring that children are involved in activities suited to their immediate emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs.
• Provide ample outdoor activity options for children, maintaining focus on children's activities.
• Assist children in taking responsibility for the classroom equipment they use.
• Assist with preparation, presentation and cleanup of projects and activities such as art projects, stories, songs, outdoor activities, and bulletin boards.
• Encourage language development.  Foster independence and self-help skills.
• Assist with maintenance of a healthy and safe environment.  As necessary, lift, move, and/or run after children in emergencies and physically remove children from dangerous situations.
• Function as a member of a team-oriented staff. This includes participating in staff meetings and in-service training which will occasionally include evening hours.
• Maintain 10 hours of continuing education each year. 
• Communicate with the Directors and lead teacher about information and insights that affect the program's efficient cohesive functioning.  This information may relate to the program, children, or parents.
• Responsible for classroom in the absence of the lead teacher.
• Provide oversight and guidance to Work Study Students and Practicum Students.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Use opportunities to expand knowledge and expertise relating to the Early Childhood Program Specialist position and training in continuing education and experiences.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• ECE degree or CDA or Washington State Credentials Certification (completion of any of the three).
• One year of experience providing care and support in an early childhood environment. 
• Proficient experience using computer programs, such as, Outlook, Word, and Excel.

• Successfully complete a portable background check (PBC) prior to employment through the Managed Education & Registry Information Tool (MERIT).  
• Valid First Aid and CPR Certification. 
• Valid Food Handlers Permit. 
• Record of MMR vaccination. 
• Record of current (in the last 12 months) Tuberculin (TB) Test.
• Ability to lift and carry 35-45 pounds, live weight and respond in emergency situations.
• Blood Bourne Pathogens training certificate. 
• Regular and predictable attendance.

• Be commitment to professional enrichment and learning in the early childhood education field and stay current with licensing and accreditation requirements. 
• A passion for educating, caring, and nurturing children.
• An ablity to remain calm and show patience and understanding with children.
• Effective communication skills with team members, visitors, all students, and parents.
• Respect and confidentiality, ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
• Excellent customer service skills, including establishing, building, and maintaining internal/external customer satisfaction.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills along with following instructions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a wide variety of personalities in a diverse work environment.
• An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Willingness to earn the trust, respect, and confidence of others through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions.

Application Process

1. Tacoma Community College application
2. Resume 
3. Cover letter. In your cover letter indicate how your background and experience meet the qualifications for this position.
4. Unofficial copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended. (Official transcripts will be required of the successful candidate).
5. Diversity Statement: At TCC, we celebrate our diverse community, and we believe people are our greatest asset. We stand for social justice, implement best practices to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion, and collaborate to dismantle systemic racism.  Please attach a statement (maximum 750 words) describing how you’ve demonstrated your commitment to diversity and social justice and how this will inform your work in this position.

www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment